Author name: Kyle Stevenson

Michelle Obama Says America Isn’t ‘Ready’ for a Woman President Yet
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Michelle Obama Says America Isn’t ‘Ready’ for a Woman President Yet

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Michelle Obama said she will not pursue a future presidential run, arguing that the country is not prepared to elect a woman as president.

The former first lady discussed the issue during an appearance at the Brooklyn Academy of Music while promoting her new book The Look, as reported by The Gateway Pundit.

Obama referenced the results of the most recent election, saying, “As we saw in this past election, sadly, we ain’t ready.”

She continued, “That’s why I’m like, don’t even look at me about running, because you all are lying. You’re not ready for a woman. You are not.”

Obama added, “You know, we’ve got a lot of growing up to do. And there’s still, sadly, a lot of men who do not feel like they can be led by a woman, and we saw it.”

Her comments came as she promoted The Look, in which she writes about her experiences with fashion, beauty, and public scrutiny.

Obama has been mentioned for years by Democratic strategists as a potential presidential candidate because of her high favorability ratings. She has repeatedly said she does not intend to run for office.

During her appearance, Obama also discussed her view of how the American public perceived her family during Barack Obama’s presidency.

Earlier this month, she told ABC in an interview that the country did not show her family “grace” because of their race. The interviewer referenced Obama’s own writing, saying, “You said we were all too aware that as a first black couple, we couldn’t afford any missteps.”

The host then asked, “And you also say as a black woman, I was under a particularly white, hot glare. Did you feel that?”

“For sure,” Obama responded. “You can’t afford to get anything wrong because you didn’t get the—at least until the country came to know us. We didn’t get the grace that I think some other families have gotten.”

PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 7, 2016: Michelle Obama smiling. The First Lady of the US delivers a speech at a campaign rally for Hillary Clinton the Democratic Presidential nominee.

She also referenced her time as a college student, recalling concerns that others might assume she was admitted because of affirmative action.

In a video clip shared online, Obama said, “Back in college, I was one of the few Black students on my campus, and I was proud of getting into such a respected school. I knew I’d worked hard for it. But still, I sometimes wondered if people thought I got there because of affirmative action.”

She added, “So often, we just accept that money, power, and privilege are perfectly justifiable forms of affirmative action, while kids growing up like I did are expected to compete when the ground is anything but level.”

Obama is currently on a national media tour promoting her book, which focuses on how women in public roles are judged for their appearance and the challenges associated with that scrutiny.

MTG Goes on CNN, Apologizes to the Radical Left While Clashing With Trump
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MTG Goes on CNN, Apologizes to the Radical Left While Clashing With Trump

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Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene appeared on CNN on Sunday, offering an apology for what she described as her role in “toxic politics” and calling for Americans to “be kind to one another,” even as tensions between her and President Donald Trump continued to escalate.

During the interview with host Dana Bash, Greene addressed her past rhetoric and said she regretted contributing to political hostility.

“I would like to say humbly that I’m sorry for taking part in the toxic politics; it is very bad for our country,” she said.

She referenced the killing of Charlie Kirk while discussing her reassessment of political discourse.

“Um, it’s been something that I’ve thought about a lot, especially since Charlie Kirk was assassinated. I’m only responsible for my own words and actions. I’ve been working on this a lot lately, to put down the knives in politics. I really just want to see people be kind to one another. And we need to figure out a new path forward that is focused on the American people…We have far more in common than we have differences.”


Her comments followed remarks made the previous day in which she suggested that President Trump was contributing to threats against her.

“I am now being contacted by private security firms with warnings for my safety as a hotbed of threats against me is being fueled and egged on by the most powerful man in the world,” she wrote on X.

She said the situation involved “the man I supported and helped get elected.”

Greene wrote that “aggressive rhetoric attacking me has historically led to death threats and multiple convictions of men who were radicalized by the same type rhetoric being directed at me right now,” adding, “This time by the President of the United States.”

She also wrote, “As a woman, I take threats from men seriously. I now have a small understanding of the fear and pressure the women, who are victims of Jeffrey Epstein and his cabal, must feel.”

On Friday evening, President Trump announced on Truth Social that he was withdrawing his endorsement of Greene.

“I am withdrawing my support and Endorsement of ‘Congresswoman’ Marjorie Taylor Greene, of the Great State of Georgia,” he wrote.

Trump said he was frustrated with Greene’s complaints and said the conflict intensified after he sent her a poll indicating that she should not run for senator or governor.

Greene responded to the announcement hours later, saying she believed his decision was tied to disputes over the release of the Epstein files.

She said she found it “astonishing” that Trump was attempting to “stop the Epstein files” from being released while, in her view, overlooking issues she said were priorities for Americans.

Greene joined the House of Representatives in 2021 and has been a vocal supporter of President Trump throughout her tenure.

The recent exchange marks one of the most public breaks between the two since she entered national office.

The CNN appearance was Greene’s first extended interview following Trump’s withdrawal of support.

During the discussion, she emphasized repeated calls for a new approach to political discourse and said she hopes the country can move toward a less confrontational climate.

Michelle ‘Chewbacca’ Obama Enters the ‘Victim Olympics’ with Wild White People Comments
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Michelle ‘Chewbacca’ Obama Enters the ‘Victim Olympics’ with Wild White People Comments

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Michelle Obama said in a recent interview that she felt pressure to conform to what she described as white beauty standards during her years in the White House.

The comments came during a discussion with actress Tracee Ellis Ross about Obama’s new fashion book, “The Look.”

Obama said she believed she needed to keep her hair straight throughout her tenure as first lady. She described the routine as “exhausting” and said the pressure she felt came from the expectations of others.

Speaking about her childhood experiences, Obama said she learned early on that presentation played an important role in how she was treated. “How you present can sometimes save your life,” she told Ross.

She described growing up with exposure to what she called the “high end of Chicago.”

“And to access those places and not be accused of stealing, you realize very early on that you better let them hear you talk, or come in with the right Le Sac case, or else you would be watched,” Obama said.

She added, “So I think I learned then that how you show up, especially when it comes to white folks looking at young black kids, that how you present can sometimes save your life.”

Ross read an excerpt from Obama’s book during the interview.

“In a way, being first lady was just another professional experience where I had to conform to a white environment of appropriateness,” Obama wrote.

Obama then discussed the decision to keep her natural hair concealed during her time as first lady.

She said she chose not to reveal it publicly until after leaving the White House. Moving to a broader point, she directed part of her message at white audiences.

“Let me explain something to white people!” Obama said.

She continued, “Our hair comes out of our head naturally in a curly pattern, so when we’re straightening it to follow your beauty standards, we are trapped by the straightness!”

She listed examples of challenges she said many black women face related to maintaining straightened hair.

“That’s why so many of us can’t swim!” she said.

“And we run away from the water — people won’t go to the gym, because we’re trying to keep our hair straight for y’all. It is exhausting, and it’s so expensive and it takes up so much time!”

Social media flamethrower Zeek Arkham roasted Michelle ‘Chewbacca’ Obama for her comments:

Obama said she believed that dropping these expectations would benefit both black women and those around them.

She referenced the CROWN Act, which stands for Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair.

The legislation, supported by organizations in the CROWN Coalition, prohibits discrimination based on hairstyle and texture.

“Braids are for y’all so we can work harder and focus on the work, so why do we need an act — an act of law to tell white folks to get out of our hair,” Obama said.

“Don’t tell me how to wear my hair, don’t wonder about it, don’t touch it — just don’t!” she said.

Her comments were part of a broader discussion about identity, presentation, and navigating professional environments.

“The Look,” which includes reflections on fashion, public life, and social expectations, was released as Obama continues to speak publicly about her experiences during and after her time as first lady.

Random CSPAN Caller Torches CA Dem Rep Trying to Blame Republicans for Their Shutdown
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Random CSPAN Caller Torches CA Dem Rep Trying to Blame Republicans for Their Shutdown

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The federal government reopened after Congress approved a funding measure that aligned with the terms President Donald Trump and Republican lawmakers had supported since mid-October.

The agreement provides government funding through January 30, extends SNAP benefits through September 2026, and schedules a vote on Affordable Care Act subsidy provisions.

Democrats sought several changes during the shutdown, including funding for health care benefits for illegal aliens and support for National Public Radio.

Those proposals, totaling $1.5 trillion, were not included in the final agreement. The only Democratic concession in the deal involved protections related to federal worker layoffs.

During the shutdown debate, lawmakers cast multiple votes on SNAP benefits.

Democratic members voted against extending those benefits 15 times while negotiations continued.

That point surfaced during a C-SPAN segment with Rep. Sam Liccardo (D-CA), when a caller criticized the party’s role in the shutdown.

The caller said, “Who shut down the government? You don’t have to answer, I know who it is. It was the Democrats. Let’s put that to bed.”

The Senate vote to end the shutdown was 60-40. Eight Democratic Senators supported the measure, giving it the required margin to proceed.

The House then approved the legislation 222-209.

Six House Democrats joined with Republicans to pass the bill.

Speaker Mike Johnson managed the legislative process in the House, maintaining support from GOP members despite the narrow majority.

The House Freedom Caucus backed the agreement, ensuring unified Republican support throughout the negotiations.

The shutdown lasted more than 40 days, during which both chambers weighed various proposals before converging on the terms advanced in the final measure.

The Senate and House approvals ended the impasse and allowed federal operations to resume.

JD Vance Reveals What Democrats Were Saying Privately During Their Government Shutdown
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JD Vance Reveals What Democrats Were Saying Privately During Their Government Shutdown

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Vice President JD Vance said Thursday that several Democratic senators privately acknowledged concerns about their party’s strategy during the 43-day government shutdown, telling Fox News host Sean Hannity that they felt constrained by demands from the party’s most progressive members.

President Donald Trump signed a continuing resolution late Wednesday night to reopen the government after weeks of gridlock.

The resolution passed days after five Senate Democrats broke with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and voted to advance the measure, ending a blockade that had prevented passage 14 times.

Hannity asked Vance whether he had any private conversations with Democrats during the standoff. “Of course. Privately we were having conversations all the time,” Vance said.

“And, frankly, privately, the Democrats would recognize the position of their far left was crazy. But they all feel a little bit like they are being held hostage by their far left.”

Vance added that Schumer “probably ended his career, and he was the person who was fighting more than anybody to keep the government shut down.”

After the shutdown ended Sunday, several Democratic lawmakers, candidates, and political groups issued calls for Schumer to be removed as Senate Democratic leader.

Schumer did not vote for the continuing resolution that President Trump ultimately signed and continued to marshal most of his caucus in opposition as the shutdown persisted over expiring Obamacare subsidies.

“So, the far left, they are never going to be satisfied unless the Democrats are willing to burn down the entire country. Luckily, there were a few moderate Democrats who allowed reason to prevail,” Vance said.

He described some of the proposals pushed by progressive Democrats during the shutdown negotiations as excessive.

“They wanted $1.5 trillion, a lot of that [to fund] health care benefits for illegal aliens. They wanted us to undo all of the great border policy we have been doing. They wanted us to refund NPR and PBS,” Vance said.

“They were basically saying that we want the far left’s priorities to dominate in the Trump administration, and unless that happens we are going to set the entire country on fire. A really disgraceful moment for the far left of the Democrats and, frankly, a very revealing moment for the American people.”

Vance said the demands extended into areas affected by the shutdown, including commercial air travel.

“They were talking about, ‘Give us $1.5 trillion for health care benefits for illegal aliens, and unless you do that we are going to make it impossible for you to fly home to see your family on Thanksgiving,’” he said, referencing the severe disruptions that hit airports during the funding lapse. “It’s just craziness that that was ever their position, but it was.”

Hannity asked Vance whether the government would return to normal operations quickly following the signing of the resolution.

“It’s going to take a little bit of time to get everything fully up and running,” Vance said.

He added that President Trump opted to sign the measure late Wednesday night, rather than Thursday morning, in order to reopen the government “as quickly as possible.”

“It goes to show the entire time the president, the entire administration, we were focused on getting the government turned back on, getting critical services actually funded so the government could function for the American people,” Vance said.

“The Democrats were focused on, ‘We want to take you hostage. We want to make it hard for you to get home to see your family on Thanksgiving so that we can give your health care benefits to illegal aliens.’ What an incredible juxtaposition of priorities.”

WATCH:

Corruption Scandal Rocks Ukraine: Several Zelensky Associates Resign from Energy Sector
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Corruption Scandal Rocks Ukraine: Several Zelensky Associates Resign from Energy Sector

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Ukraine’s justice and energy ministers resigned on Wednesday as a sweeping corruption investigation involving the country’s energy sector continued to expand.

Justice Minister Herman Haluschenko and Energy Minister Svitlana Grynchuk stepped down within hours of President Volodymyr Zelensky calling for new leadership in their ministries.

Both denied any wrongdoing.

Haluschenko previously served as Ukraine’s energy minister before taking over the justice ministry.

He is among several high-ranking officials identified in Operation Midas, a joint investigation launched in the summer of 2024 by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP).

According to investigators, Operation Midas uncovered extensive evidence during more than 70 nationwide raids, including large sums of cash, documents, and more than 1,000 hours of wiretap recordings. NABU said that “almost the entire staff of detectives” was assigned to the final stages of the operation.

NABU described the alleged bribery and kickback scheme as large enough to qualify as one of the biggest corporations in the country if it had operated legally.

Investigators estimate that the money-laundering network moved more than $100 million.

The probe centers on allegations that contractors paid Ukrainian politicians to secure contracts with state nuclear power company Energoatom.

These contracts involved constructing fortifications intended to protect energy facilities from Russian attacks. Many of the sites were later destroyed by Russian strikes, leaving residents without power during winter.

Kickback payments were alleged to reach up to 15 percent of the contract value.

Ukrainian authorities said the suspected ringleader was Tymur Mindich, co-owner of the production studio Kvartal 95.

The company is known for creating the 2015 television series Servant of the People, which starred Zelensky.

The show depicted an ordinary citizen who unexpectedly becomes Ukraine’s president after publicly criticizing corruption.

Mindich is also a former business partner of Ihor Kolomoyskiy, the billionaire who supported Zelensky’s successful 2019 presidential campaign.

Kolomoyskiy was arrested in 2023 on charges of fraud and money laundering. Mindich left Ukraine shortly before investigators raided his home on Monday, prompting speculation in Ukrainian media that he may have been warned.

Reports indicated he may have traveled to Israel.

Additional figures tied to Zelensky’s administration have been implicated, though not all have been publicly named.

Those identified include National Security and Defense Council secretary Rustem Umerov, former deputy prime minister Oleksiy Chernyshov, former Energoatom security chief Dmytro Basov, and Ihor Myroniuk, former deputy head of the State Property Fund.

NABU and SAP are also investigating a separate scheme involving military procurement.

Prosecutors said that in some cases, Ukrainian officials purchased low-quality foreign-made equipment at inflated prices, with a portion of the proceeds allegedly returned to those arranging the deals.

Chinese-manufactured bulletproof vests were cited as one example.

The wiretaps collected by investigators included conversations in which suspects used pseudonyms to discuss payments.

In one recording, Chernyshov — referred to as “Che Guevara” — talked about a $500,000 kickback reportedly picked up by his wife.

Court hearings broadcast by Ukrainian public television on Thursday included a wiretap in which Mindich claimed to have significant influence over Zelensky.

Though no evidence directly implicates the president at this stage, the mention added political pressure as the investigation continues.

Zelensky’s standing has also been affected by public criticism over his attempt in July to place NABU and SAP under presidential authority.

The move sparked widespread protests and was ultimately reversed by lawmakers.

Critics have pointed to Operation Midas as evidence of why independent oversight is necessary.

The expanding scandal comes as Ukraine seeks to advance its bid to join the European Union.

EU officials have repeatedly stated that anti-corruption progress is essential for membership consideration.

Earlier this week, the EU said Ukraine had made improvements but still needed to enact more reforms.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz raised concerns during a phone call with Zelensky, emphasizing “the German government’s expectation that Ukraine press ahead energetically with fighting corruption and further reforms, particularly in the area of the rule of law.”

Zelensky responded by committing to “full transparency, long-term support for the independent anti-corruption authorities and quick further measures.”

Guillaume Mercier, a spokesman for the European Commission, said the revelations showed that “anti-corruption bodies are in place and functioning in Ukraine,” while adding that “the fight against corruption is key for a country to join the EU.”

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a new $7 billion loan to Ukraine on Thursday.

She said the funding was intended to “cover the financial needs of Ukraine for the next two years,” while underscoring the importance of demonstrating to Russian President Vladimir Putin that he cannot “outlast” Ukraine.

The unfolding case is expected to draw attention in the United States, where debate continues over funding Ukrainian defense efforts against Russia.

Investigations involving military procurement and energy infrastructure may play a role in upcoming discussions in Washington.

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Seattle Socialist Wins Mayor Race After Late Ballot Dumps and Eight Days of Counting
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Seattle Socialist Wins Mayor Race After Late Ballot Dumps and Eight Days of Counting

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Democratic mayoral candidate Katie Wilson has defeated incumbent Democratic Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, according to projections released Wednesday by Decision Desk HQ (DDHQ).

The call came eight days after polls closed, following a series of late-arriving ballots that shifted the race in Wilson’s favor.

Wilson received 50.2% of the vote, compared to Harrell’s 49.5%, DDHQ reported.

Harrell led in the early stages of vote counting, prompting DDHQ to initially project him as the winner on November 6.

At that time, the outlet believed roughly 100,000 ballots remained uncounted.

DDHQ rescinded its projection the next day after King County Elections clarified that the number of outstanding ballots was significantly higher than initially reported.

Washington is one of eight states that conducts elections entirely by mail, and the state does not require voter identification for mail-in ballots.

Wilson, an activist who has been compared to incoming New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, described herself as a “socialist” in a September 13 interview with The Seattle Times.

She said she was downplaying the term during the campaign but added, “yes, I’m fine with being called a socialist.”

Wilson, 43, is the daughter of two academics.

Reports indicate that her parents financially support her and her unemployed husband.

In the August 5 nonpartisan primary, Wilson defeated Harrell with just over 50% of the vote.

Under Washington state law, both candidates advanced to the November 4 general election regardless of the primary outcome.

Wilson received the endorsement of the King County Democrats, while Harrell secured support from several prominent Democratic officials, including Gov. Bob Ferguson, Sen. Maria Cantwell, and Rep. Adam Smith, who represents part of Seattle in the House.

Rep. Pramila Jayapal endorsed Wilson on October 6, writing on X that she was “proud to endorse her.”

Jayapal said Wilson “will be a fighter for the principles of equity, immigrant justice, civil rights, and fundamental democratic rights that are all under threat right now.”

Jayapal cited Wilson’s primary performance as the basis for her support.

Jayapal had previously endorsed Harrell before the primary, and her endorsement remained listed on his campaign website.

Jayapal is a senior member of Congress who chaired the Congressional Progressive Caucus for six years.

Wilson is the co-founder and leader of the Transit Riders’ Union, which describes itself as an “independent, democratic, member-run union of transit riders organizing for better public transit in Seattle, King County and beyond.”

Her campaign platform emphasized “climate action and environmental justice,” “police accountability,” “racial equity,” and increasing “new progressive revenue,” according to her campaign website.

She also pledged to “Trump-proof” Seattle, echoing language used by Mamdani in his own campaign in New York City.

Wilson’s campaign website recounts her political involvement in Seattle dating back to May 1, 2006.

“One of my first political acts in Seattle was joining the massive march for immigrants’ and workers’ rights on May 1, 2006,” the site states.

“That’s the Seattle I believe in. We stand up for the most vulnerable. We believe in democracy, climate action, robust public services, and good jobs. But all of that is under threat like never before.”

Seattle-based radio host Ari Hoffman commented on X as additional ballots were counted.

“Katie Wilson didn’t win an election, Bruce Harrell lost one,” Hoffman wrote Monday night.

He added, “In desperation to get re-elected rather than doing his job, he tried to out progressive a progressive. He had no ballot harvest or ballot curing operation & his social media was non existent.”

Hoffman also criticized Seattle’s election process, calling the “mail in ballot system” a “joke” and pointing to the slow pace of counting.

“King County elections claims they are ‘verifying’ each ballot,” he wrote.

“What are they ‘verifying’ when there is no voter ID or other safeguards?”

New Docs Expose Jack Smith’s Direct Connection to Russia Collusion, Clinton Cover Up
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New Docs Expose Jack Smith’s Direct Connection to Russia Collusion, Clinton Cover Up

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Justice Department officials connected to Special Counsel Jack Smith’s work were involved in blocking an FBI inquiry into whether Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign violated federal campaign finance laws when it funded the Steele Dossier through intermediaries, according to emails released Thursday.

The documents add to a series of disclosures emerging as the Trump Justice Department pursues a sweeping investigation into alleged anti-Trump conduct inside federal agencies dating back a decade.

The emails appear to show DOJ officials advising the FBI against opening a probe into whether the Clinton campaign improperly used cutouts to finance Fusion GPS and former British intelligence officer Christopher Steele.

The FBI ultimately did not pursue the potential violations.

Two officials now tied to Smith’s investigation were linked to the decision.

The Trump DOJ and FBI have opened a wider inquiry into what investigators describe as an ongoing criminal conspiracy involving years of political activity inside federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies.

Congressional investigators have released information over recent months indicating that the FBI quietly began examining Democratic Party-aligned efforts dating back to the Trump-Russia allegations and extending to Smith’s pursuit of President Donald Trump.

Smith was appointed by Attorney General Merrick Garland to lead the Biden Justice Department’s investigations involving Trump.

Newly declassified materials connected to the Arctic Frost inquiry describe a broad set of legal actions targeting Trump and his allies beginning in 2022 as Trump considered another presidential run.

Before his selection as special counsel, Smith headed the DOJ’s Public Integrity Section from 2010 until early 2015.

During that period, the IRS controversy involving Lois Lerner unfolded, in which her division scrutinized conservative nonprofit groups.

Lerner apologized for the conduct but denied political motives. Records show Smith’s unit engaged with Lerner and the IRS during that time, and that the IRS transferred nonprofit tax records to the FBI, although no prosecutions followed.

Recent disclosures also include the FBI’s discovery of investigative documents kept inside “burn bags” at FBI headquarters.

According to court filings connected to the prosecution of former FBI Director James Comey, the records included materials on the Mar-a-Lago search, the January 6 Capitol breach, the Crossfire Hurricane investigation, and the classified appendix to Special Counsel John Durham’s work.

Just the News reported that more than two dozen Russiagate-related subpoenas are planned, coinciding with new information disclosed in the Comey prosecution.

Additional records show that long-standing investigative materials related to Trump had been retained inside the FBI without full disclosure.

The Federal Election Commission ruled in 2022 that there was “probable cause” to believe Hillary for America and the Democratic National Committee violated federal law by misreporting payments connected to Fusion GPS.

The DNC paid $849,407 and the Clinton campaign paid $175,000 to Perkins Coie.

The FEC said the campaign labeled the expenses as “legal services,” and the DNC described them as “legal and compliance consulting.”

Clinton campaign lawyer Marc Elias hired Fusion GPS in 2016, and Fusion hired Steele.

Elias testified he met with Steele during the campaign, knew Steele planned to brief reporters, and provided periodic updates to the Clinton campaign based on Fusion’s research.

Special Counsel John Durham later said campaign officials, Fusion GPS, and Perkins Coie acted jointly in advancing collusion claims during the 2016 race.

The FBI declined to open a criminal investigation into the campaign finance matter. Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, said Thursday that emails show the decision was made by Richard Pilger, then a leader in the DOJ’s Public Integrity Section, and J.P. Cooney, then with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Washington, D.C.

Grassley noted that Pilger later played a key role in approving the launch of Smith’s Arctic Frost investigation, and that Cooney served as Smith’s deputy special counsel.

An FBI communication dated July 2019, released Thursday, showed the bureau sought consultation from DOJ officials regarding “DNC and Fusion GPS FEC violations.”

The document indicated the FBI did not move forward after receiving input from Pilger and Cooney.

A federal grand jury is issuing more than 30 subpoenas related to Trump-Russia allegations.

Additional subpoenas involve former CIA Director John Brennan and his handling of Steele’s dossier and the 2016 intelligence community assessment.

A grand jury in South Florida is overseeing portions of the inquiry. CIA Director John Ratcliffe sent a referral on Brennan in July, and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard also delivered declassified evidence to the DOJ describing a “treasonous conspiracy.”

New information indicates Comey expected Clinton to win in 2016 and was aware of intelligence describing a Clinton plan linking Trump to Russia. Records also reference alleged leaks by Comey’s associate Daniel Richman.

Further disclosures show Smith and the FBI obtained phone records from eight Republican senators and one Republican House member during the Arctic Frost investigation.

A 2023 FBI record stated investigators conducted a limited toll analysis involving calls associated with Sens. Ron Johnson, Lindsey Graham, Bill Hagerty, Josh Hawley, Dan Sullivan, Tommy Tuberville, Cynthia Lummis, Marsha Blackburn, and Rep. Mike Kelly. Lawyers for Smith defended the decision.

Grassley released documents showing Smith issued nearly 200 subpoenas seeking information from more than 400 Republican officials and groups.

Records further show that Garland, then-FBI Director Chris Wray, and then-Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco approved the Arctic Frost inquiry.

Emails also show coordination between the Biden White House Counsel’s Office and an FBI agent to transfer phones belonging to Trump and former Vice President Mike Pence.

Arctic Frost extended to dozens of Republican officials and organizations, according to documents released earlier this year.

Smith’s earlier period at DOJ continues to receive scrutiny.

Congressional records show he arranged meetings between DOJ officials and IRS leadership in 2010 and 2013 to discuss campaign-finance enforcement.

Rep. Jim Jordan and Rep. Darrell Issa sought Smith’s testimony in 2014, citing concerns about DOJ involvement.

Smith testified that the Public Integrity Section debated possible investigations but did not open cases. Senate investigators reported that IRS and DOJ officials exchanged documents and explored potential theories for criminal charges involving tax-exempt organizations.

Senate records described follow-up contacts between DOJ officials and IRS leaders, including discussions about 501(c)(4) political activity.

An IRS official cautioned DOJ that the agency had not seen conduct warranting criminal investigation. Senate investigators later described DOJ’s interest as unusually aggressive compared with standard IRS enforcement practices.

Gavin Newsom, California ‘Caught Red Handed,’ 17,000 Illegally Issued CDLs Revoked
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Gavin Newsom, California ‘Caught Red Handed,’ 17,000 Illegally Issued CDLs Revoked

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California has revoked 17,000 nondomiciled commercial driver’s licenses following an order from Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who accused the state of violating federal trucking regulations by issuing licenses to ineligible drivers.

The decision follows months of disagreement between the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and California officials over the state’s compliance with federal commercial driving standards.

Duffy has made enforcement of those rules a top priority, particularly after a fatal semitruck crash last summer involving a non-English-proficient illegal immigrant whose license was issued in California.

“After weeks of claiming they did nothing wrong, Gavin Newsom and California have been caught red-handed,” Duffy said in a statement Wednesday.

“Now that we’ve exposed their lies, 17,000 illegally issued trucking licenses are being revoked.”

According to the Transportation Department, the California Department of Motor Vehicles issued the nondomiciled commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) in violation of federal requirements.

Federal law mandates that all CDL applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and meet eligibility standards for legal residency or lawful presence in the United States.

Duffy warned that failure to correct the violations could result in California losing $160 million in federal transportation funding.

“This is just the tip of the iceberg,” he said.

“My team will continue to force California to prove they have removed every illegal immigrant from behind the wheel of semitrucks and school buses.”

In a previous statement to the outlet in late October, the agency maintained that its licensing practices were consistent with federal law, asserting that the Transportation Department had previously allowed the issuance of CDLs to asylum seekers and refugees.

In a September letter obtained by the Washington Examiner, Alicia Fowler, general counsel for the California State Transportation Agency, defended the state’s policies.

“California’s laws, regulations, standards, and orders are either identical to or have the same effect as the federal safety requirements—including the English language proficiency requirement,” Fowler wrote.

However, a recent audit by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) found that approximately 25 percent of nondomiciled CDLs in several states, including California, were issued out of compliance.

The audit identified “systemic non-compliance” in California, Colorado, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, and Washington.

A DOT spokesperson said the agency “urges all states to revoke illegally issued CDLs,” and confirmed that California was the first state officially cited for noncompliance.

The Transportation Department said it has notified all 17,000 affected drivers that their licenses do not meet federal standards.

Those licenses are set to expire within 60 days.

California, one of the largest CDL-issuing states in the country, must demonstrate full compliance before any new nondomiciled licenses can be issued.

In response to the federal order, California Governor Gavin Newsom’s press office defended the state’s licensing record.

“Sounds like the federal Secretary of Transportation needs a lesson on his own road rules,” the governor’s office posted on X.

“The facts are plain and simple — California commercial driver’s license holders had a fatal crash rate nearly 40% LOWER than the national average.”

The revocation marks one of the largest federal interventions in state licensing oversight in recent years.

Duffy has emphasized that the action is part of a broader effort to ensure that commercial drivers meet national safety and language requirements designed to prevent accidents and protect U.S. highways.

The Transportation Department said additional reviews of other states identified in the FMCSA audit are underway to determine whether similar violations occurred elsewhere.

Kai Trump Receives Support from Tiger Woods, Annika Sorenstam, and President Trump Ahead of LPGA Debut
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Kai Trump Receives Support from Tiger Woods, Annika Sorenstam, and President Trump Ahead of LPGA Debut

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Kai Trump, granddaughter of President Donald Trump, is set to make her LPGA Tour debut this week at The Annika Driven by Gainbridge event at Pelican Golf Club in Naples, Florida.

The 18-year-old has received advice and encouragement from some of the most recognizable names in golf — including Tiger Woods, Annika Sorenstam, and the President himself, as reported by the New York Post.

Trump earned a sponsor’s exemption to play in the tournament, a decision that has drawn attention and criticism due to her limited competitive record and large social media following of nearly nine million across platforms.

Oct 27, 2022; Miami, Florida, USA; Former President Donald Trump and Kai Trump during the Pro-Am tournament before the LIV Golf series at Trump National Doral. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images

The high school senior, who has committed to the University of Miami, has had modest results in junior events but has become one of the most talked-about amateurs in recent months.

Woods, who is dating Trump’s mother, Vanessa, offered advice before the tournament. “I mean, he is the best golfer in the entire world. I would say that. And even better person,” Kai Trump said Tuesday. “He told me to go out there and have fun and just go with the flow. Whatever happens, happens.”

On Monday, Trump played nine holes during a pro-am event with tournament host and World Golf Hall of Fame member Annika Sorenstam. Sorenstam praised Trump’s ability to handle the spotlight and encouraged patience from critics.

“I just don’t know how she does it, honestly,” Sorenstam said.

“To be (18) years old and hear all the comments, she must be super tough on the inside. I’m sure we can all relate what it’s like to get criticism here and there, but she gets it a thousand times.”

Sorenstam added, “We want her to feel like family here, and I want her to feel welcome. I mean, give this girl a chance, right? I think that’s our responsibility this week.”

Dan Doyle Jr., owner of Pelican Golf Club and CEO of Tampa-based DEX Imaging, extended the sponsor exemption to Trump. “The idea of the exemption, when you go into the history of exemptions, is to bring attention to an event,” Doyle said.

“You got to see (Kai Trump) live. She’s lovely to speak to, and she brought a lot of viewers through Instagram and things like that that normally don’t watch women’s golf.”

Trump said she accepted the invitation immediately, adding that her ball-striking remains her strength, though she is still working to improve around the greens. Her recent appearance at the Junior Invitational resulted in scores of 89-79-83-89, placing her last in the 24-player field.

She also shared advice from her grandfather, President Donald Trump. “My grandpa pretty much told me go out there and have fun. Just don’t get nervous. Try my best not to,” she said.

When asked about their golf games, she described the President as “pretty good,” but declined to reveal whether she had ever beaten him.

As Trump prepares for her first professional event, expectations remain modest, but Sorenstam emphasized the value of the experience. “I don’t think anybody here is thinking that she will be the one holding the trophy on Sunday,” Sorenstam said.

“Just make the most out of this week. There will be lessons learned. Take them to the future and learn.”


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